The fastest way to find a guitar store near you
Your best starting point is Google Maps. Search "guitar store near me" or "music store near me" and the map will show you what's open, how far away it is, and what hours they keep. Call before you go — many small shops have odd hours or close for lunch. If nothing appears within a reasonable distance, expand your search to "musical instruments" to catch general music retailers that carry guitars alongside other gear.
The second option is to search for chain retailers in your area. Guitar Center, Sam Ash, Sweetwater (which has physical locations in some cities), and Musician's Friend all have store locators on their websites. These chains stock a wider range of price points and brands than most independent shops, though staff knowledge varies by location. Independent shops usually have deeper informed but smaller inventory, so what you want may need to be ordered.
If you live in a small town with no physical stores, you have two paths: drive to the nearest city with a music store, or order online and return in-store if the retailer offers that option. Guitar Center and Sweetwater both let you order online and pick up at a location, which saves shipping time and lets you inspect the instrument before you leave.
Key Takeaways
- Google Maps and store locators on retailer websites show you what's open, how far away, and current hours — call before driving to confirm they have what you want in stock.
- Chain stores like Guitar Center and Sam Ash carry more brands and price ranges, while independent shops usually have staff with deeper knowledge of specific instruments.
- Many retailers offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which lets you inspect the guitar before you take it home and avoids shipping delays.
- Small towns may have no local options, but you can drive to a nearby city or order online from a retailer that accepts returns.
What to expect when you walk into a guitar store
Most stores organize guitars by type — acoustic, electric, classical — and then by price range. Staff will usually ask what you play or what you're looking for, and whether you want to try something. Bring your own case or gig bag if you own one, because store cases add cost and you may not need one. If you're a beginner, tell the staff that upfront; they can point you toward instruments that are easier to play and won't waste your time with high-end gear.
Expect to spend 15 to 45 minutes in the store if you're serious about trying instruments. Play a few in your price range and listen to how they sound to you. Don't let staff pressure you into a more expensive model — the right guitar for you is the one you'll actually play, not the one with the highest price tag. If the store doesn't have what you want, ask if they can order it and what the timeline is.
Independent shops versus chain stores
Independent music stores are usually run by musicians or longtime retailers who know their inventory deeply. They can tell you the difference between two similar guitars, recommend repairs, and often have relationships with local teachers or bands. The downside is smaller selection and sometimes higher prices, because they can't buy in bulk the way chains do.
Chain stores have more selection, lower prices on popular models, and consistent return policies across locations. The trade-off is that staff turnover is higher, so informed varies widely. Some locations have excellent guitar specialists; others have generalists who know a little about everything. Call ahead and ask if they have a guitar specialist on staff, or visit at a time when the store is less busy so staff can spend time with you.
Online retailers with physical locations
Sweetwater, Musician's Friend, and Thomann all operate online but have physical showrooms in select cities. Sweetwater has locations in Indiana, California, and a few other states. These stores let you order online and pick up locally, or visit in person to try instruments before you buy. Their websites show inventory at each location, so you can check before you drive.
The advantage of ordering online and picking up is that you avoid shipping costs and delays, and you can inspect the guitar before you take it. If something is wrong with it, you can often exchange it on the spot. Check the store's return policy before you order — most allow returns within 30 days if the instrument is undamaged.
What to bring and what to ask
Bring your ID and a payment method. If you're trading in an old guitar, bring it in its case or gig bag so staff can assess its condition. If you're financing the purchase, bring proof of income or a credit card, depending on what the store requires.
Ask the staff these questions: Do you set up guitars before you sell them? (Many don't, and a new guitar may need adjustment.) What's your return window if something is wrong with it? Do you offer repairs or setups in-house, or do you refer customers elsewhere? Can you order something that's not in stock, and how long does it take? These answers tell you whether the store will support you after the sale.
Buying used guitars in your area
Used guitars are often cheaper and sometimes better quality than new ones at the same price. Check local Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and Reverb (which has a local pickup option in many areas). Pawn shops and secondhand music stores also carry used guitars, though quality and pricing vary widely.
When you buy used, inspect the instrument in person before you hand over money. Look for cracks in the wood, rust on the hardware, and frets that are worn unevenly. Play it through an amp if it's electric, or play it acoustically if it's acoustic. Ask the seller why they're selling and how long they owned it. If they can't answer basic questions about the guitar, that's a red flag. Never buy used without seeing and playing it first.
Rental options if you're not ready to buy
Many music stores and some chain retailers rent guitars by the month. Rental is useful if you're a beginner and not sure you'll stick with it, or if you want to try a style of guitar before you commit to buying one. Rental costs range widely depending on the store and the instrument, but expect to pay $20 to $50 per month for a beginner acoustic or electric.
Ask whether your rental payments can go toward a purchase if you decide to buy. Some stores explore a portion of your rental fees to the price of the guitar; others don't. Also ask what happens if the guitar needs repair — most rental agreements cover normal wear but not damage from misuse. Read the agreement carefully before you sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return a guitar if I buy it in a store?
Most stores allow returns within 30 days if the guitar is undamaged and in original condition. Some require a restocking fee of 10 to 15 percent. Chain stores usually have clearer return policies posted on their websites; independent shops vary, so ask before you buy.
What if the nearest store is more than an hour away?
Order online from a retailer that accepts returns, or use a store locator to find a location closer to you. If you're buying a high-end guitar, the drive may be worth it so you can play it first. For beginner instruments, ordering online with a return window is usually fine.
Do I need to buy accessories when I buy a guitar?
You need a strap, picks, and a tuner. A gig bag or case protects the guitar during transport. Stores often bundle these as a package, which costs less than buying separately. Don't let staff pressure you into expensive accessories you don't need yet.
Should I buy from a local store or order online?
Buy local if you want to play the guitar before you commit, or if you value ongoing support from the store. Order online if the local selection is poor or prices are much higher. Many people do both — try instruments in a store, then order online if the price is significantly lower.
What's the difference between a guitar store and a general music store?
A guitar store specializes in guitars and related gear. A general music store carries guitars, drums, keyboards, wind instruments, and accessories. General stores may have less depth in guitars but more variety overall. For a beginner, either works; for specific information on high-end guitars, a specialist shop is usually better.